Visit to Scott and Jenny Glen and Ben's first time on sheep!

Yesterday I visited Scott and Jenny Glen to work dogs and put Ben on sheep for the first time. Jenny took this beautiful picture of Ted working in the large area behind their house. She also took a million pictures of Ben for me. It was Ben's first time on sheep other than seeing them on a leash last fall. Thank you Jenny!

Here is a slideshow including a few scenics showing the area - and look, no snow!



Ben is only 6.5 months old and he was a wee bit babyish in the beginning, so I had to use a bag to keep him from being too much of a mommy's boy then help him focus on the sheep. I've always said he was a very thoughtful, serious puppy. He had moments where he raised a bit of hell (which we allowed) but mainly moved around "puzzling it out" as Scott put it. He liked his right side much better than his left - hmmm. so do Ted and Jet! He needed a bit of help with ewes on the fence too. Overall he was calm and moved around pretty well for a start. We put him away for an hour, and the second time he came out, he began to do complete cirles around the ewes and he changed directions - and just when Scott was happy with things and said to call him, Ben decided to go for the gusto and I had to catch him! Up to that moment I was so proud of his recalls - but Scott said we could forego a recall for that much keen interest at the end, leaving Ben wanting more.

My favourite shot of Ben, not such an action shot, but he has focus and such a nice mover - like his dad Ted

Jet continues to be her good self. I am so proud of her. I am finally at a point with Jet where I can tweak things to improve our performance rather than fight with her little strong head. It's been a long road with her between her being a tough beginners dog, to my moving out west and having a hard time landing on my feet here where the Border Collies are concerned. Scott has given my my homework, meaning I need to find somewhere to work all the time, to work on our teamwork and advance. That means I am going to get really determined and hit up on everyone I know!

This is the only picture of Jet - on the drive down the driveway to the farm - she woke up and knew something was up!

Same goes for Ted - he wants so badly to please and has a lovely manner about him, so powerful and athletic, (and very handsome hahaha). He and I need to get our act together and this can only come through regular work, of course.

And of course, selfishly (haha) I can see that I am still losing weight when I wear this old North Face jacket. It is now so big on me, but I still love it. Scott very diplomatically (and wisely, haha) told me I was wasting away - no kinder words can be said to me right now! :))

It was so great to have Scott and Jenny meet Ben. And also to visit and see their crew, including 13-year old Pleat! Scott talked to me about Ben's bloodlines and how other dogs in his pedigree have started - dogs like Pleat, Dan and Sweep. Though Jenny says Ben definitely has Maid's look (and Ted's size). It is so valuable to have people who know your dog's bloodlines to see your pup and tell you how he looks compared to his ancestors. All in all, my head is spinning and I am so happy!

It was an 800 km round trip (500 miles) and worth every bit of it to work with Scott Glen - he is the best! Period!

Here are some beautiful mountain scenes I took on the trip down... I never get tired of looking at the mountains! This is looking west towards Crowsnest Pass  -

That's Alta-Pete Farm on the horizon!

POSTSCRIPT

Jet says "can you somehow make this more about ME?"

LOL - next time Jet! You were a good girl.